🔗 Share this article

Yesavage authored a masterclass on the mound and Davis Schneider launched a home run on the game's initial offering as the Blue Jays topped the Los Angeles Dodgers six to one on Wednesday, standing one win away of their first World Series championship since 1993.

Yesavage's Historic Outing

The 22-year-old Yesavage, who debuted in the majors this past September, struck out 12 without issuing a walk – setting a new World Series record. The first-year pitcher gave up only a single run on three hits in seven innings. His year commenced in the low minors with minimal fanfare, but has now been the winning pitcher in two of Toronto's three wins in this best-of-seven series.

A Quick Start for Toronto

Toronto’s hitters gave him breathing room almost immediately. On the game's opening offering, Schneider turned on a 97mph fastball and sent it over the left-field fence. Two pitches later, Vladimir Guerrero Jr followed with another blast to nearly the same spot. It marked the unprecedented occurrence in the World Series that the game began with two straight homers, stunning the crowd before most had settled in.

Yesavage Takes Control

Yesavage then took over. He fanned five in a row between the second and third innings, establishing a new rookie mark before the streak was snapped by Kiké Hernández with a solo homer in the bottom of the third to make it 2–1. That was the nearest the Dodgers came.

Building the Advantage

In the fourth inning, Varsho lined a triple into the right-field corner after a fielding error, and Ernie Clement hit a sac fly to bring him home for a 3–1 lead. The Los Angeles offense continued to sputter from there. After scoring six runs in Monday’s 18-inning marathon, they’ve managed only four across the past 29 innings.

Late Inning Insurance

The starting pitcher lasted into the seventh inning but couldn’t escape the seventh after the bases were packed. Both runners he left behind came around to score – thanks to a errant throw and another on an RBI single – to extend the lead to 5–1. A eighth-inning base hit provided the final margin.

Bullpen Secures the Win

Yesavage exited to a standing ovation from the Toronto faithful, and the pen closed it out. The late-inning pitchers each pitched an inning without allowing a run to secure the victory, recording three strikeouts together while protecting the rookie's gem.

Dodgers' Lineup Shuffle Falters

The Dodgers, who rearranged their batting order in an attempt to generate runs, again couldn't find momentum. Their star slugger went 0-for-4 and is now riding an 0-for-7 skid since setting a World Series on-base record in the third game.

Looking Ahead to Game 6

Now holding a 3-2 lead, Toronto head back to their home ballpark with two opportunities to win it all. Friday evening features Game 6 at Rogers Centre.